Puffy or base layer?

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

What's more valuable to your insulating? Would you choose a mediocre base layer and top of the line puffy or vice versa?

 

[RockBridge]

I use a puffy as a heat locking garment for when I have stopped moving. In terms of insulation, it's definitely more important than base layer in my system. I've used all different kinds and "qualities" of base layers over the years and with the materials available today many mediocre base layers will do their job admirably.

 

[muleman]

I use my base layer(s) almost all the time and puffy some of the time. So base layer(s) are pretty important to me. Yet when I need a puffy I think it is very important.

This recent thread has some economical puffys listed.
http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19965

 

[justinspicher]

I used mediocre base layers, because they were issued to me, (gen 1 patagonia stuff) so I splurged on a puffy.

 

[Buckman]

I think your base layer is more important than your puffy. As it is next to skin if it stays wet you are cold. A puffy not so much. JMO.

 

[larryschwartz]

Keep in mind that they are designed and intended to do two completely different things. Your baselayer is intended to keep you warm, but not too warm, but more importantly it is there to keep you dry by wicking moisture off of your skin and letting it evaporate. Your puffy is intended to capture heat, either while moving in extremely cold weather or when you stop and need to keep all that movement heat still in your clothing system. You can do well by getting middle of the road versions of each item, you don't have to go with either extreme. Besides, gtetting the top of the line normally only gets you a little more functionality or a little less weight. So, if you don't need to go ultralight and don't need a garment that is waterproof AND keeps you warm AND is lightweight, then your middle of the road items should do you fine.

 

[Matt W.]

What's more valuable to your insulating? Would you choose a mediocre base layer and top of the line puffy or vice versa?

I think the best answer is the one that addresses the scenario you plan to be facing. As for mediocre, I don't think anyone should run mediocre gear. You can buy good, high quality gear, at "mediocre" prices if you work at it. Forum classifieds, various web site "outlets", camo fire, etc. can help ya get good gear. It might not all match, but it would be good gear.

I view insulation as more of a multi layer process. The more and variety you have in your kit, the more you can tailor it to your chosen pursuit. On my sheep hunts I rarely wear a base layer on my legs as my pants keep me plenty warm and I just pull my rain pants on if I am sitting for a while. I more often than not just use the base layer for sleeping. However, I couldn't imagine NOT wearing base layers on my L48 October mule deer hunts. Heck, I might even bring a pair of puffy pants if I know I will be sitting for a while. I guess all I am saying is that it really depends on what you are doing, when you are doing it, and where. For me personally I need both.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

September 7-14 elk colorado

 

[muleman]

Check out this link to find the weather data for the area you plan to hunt. That should help you decide how much insulation and what types you need.
http://climate.atmos.colostate.edu/dataaccess.php

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Check out this link to find the weather data for the area you plan to hunt. That should help you decide how much insulation and what types you need.
http://climate.atmos.colostate.edu/dataaccess.php

It looks like a good resource however I can't figure out how to find the info I'm looking for. I am on my phone though I'll check the desk top site when I get home

 

[5MilesBack]

Keep in mind that they are designed and intended to do two completely different things.

^^^^This.

I will tell you this........I have yet to use a puffy during the CO archery season. I use a fleece jacket every now and then, but haven't used the puffy. I use my merino base layers from day one through the end of the season........but not for insulation, that's what the insulation layer is for.

 

[LJ Buck]

Base Layer wont keep you warm if the weather turns south but a Puffy could keep you from freezing. Sept in CO it was cold during those dates at tree line, even had some snow, 2 years ago it was hot as hell soooo. I wore i puffy a ton last year.

 

[desertcj]

Base Layer wont keep you warm if the weather turns south but a Puffy could keep you from freezing. Sept in CO it was cold during those dates at tree line, even had some snow, 2 years ago it was hot as hell soooo. I wore i puffy a ton last year.

Base layer will kill you if it's wet and won't dry out or insulate and a puffy isn't going to save you. My opinion is that your' survival starts with your base layer. You can build off of that, but build your' house on a rock, not the sand.....I read that somewhere, lol.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

build your' house on a rock, not the sand.....I read that somewhere, lol.

Three little pigs and the big bad wolf? Lol

 

[5MilesBack]

Base layer will kill you if it's wet and won't dry out or insulate and a puffy isn't going to save you. My opinion is that your' survival starts with your base layer. You can build off of that, but build your' house on a rock, not the sand.....I read that somewhere, lol.

You can always take the wet base layers off before putting on your puffy. However, if you have merino base layers, wool will provide some insulating qualities even when wet. I doubt that a sub 190 weight merino will provide a lot of insulation but it might not hurt you with a puffy over it. I hear of guys climbing into their sleeping bags with wet clothes all the time and having them dry by morning.

Personally, I always have a down puffy in my pack because they are so light and compact, so I wouldn't go in without one. But I'd also never go in without my base layers. There are other insulating substitutes for my puffy, but nothing can replace my merino base layers.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I tested my merino base layer and Sitka Gear synthetic puffy and Timberline pants by jumping into my unheated pool in winter. I then parked my butt in a backyard tent (50 degrees outside) to see what happened while i watched some movies on my ipad. I shivered for about five minutes then warmed up steadily. Five hours later I was dry. This is in a tent! I will never wear down again.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

I tested my merino base layer and Sitka Gear synthetic puffy and Timberline pants by jumping into my unheated pool in winter. I then parked my butt in a backyard tent (50 degrees outside) to see what happened while i watched some movies on my ipad. I shivered for about five minutes then warmed up steadily. Five hours later I was dry. This is in a tent! I will never wear down again.

Interesting technique there.